FAQs

What does ‘PDO’ mean?

Protected Denomination of Origin.
This means that the product is controlled by an entity that ensures its quality, as well that it is produced in the designated area and following the approved methods of production.

How can some cheeses be Lactose Free?

Often times, is produced according to traditional methods, certain hard aged cheeses can become naturally lactose free. The cheese automatically and naturally secretes the lactose during the aging process.
Some examples include Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, Asiago D’Allevo.

Where does the cheese come from?

All our cheeses are imported from Italy. Some, from the Millennials Line, are simply cut and packaged in the USA. Within Italy, our cheese is produced all over the country, from the northern most region Aosta down to central Campania and all the way to Sardinia.
Most of our cheeses being PDO (Proteced Denomination of Origin), need to be produced in their respective designated regions.

How is our shelf life guaranteed?

All our cheese is fresh, meaning that it does not undergo freezing procedures in order to be imported and stored for extended periods of times. Freezing the cheese kills the bacteria inside, which results in loss of taste and change in texture.

Therefore, to bring the freshest cheeses available in the United States we have developed the weekly Ambrosi Air Program, by which we fly some of our cheeses into New Jersey. [READ MORE IN THE QUALITÀ & TRADIZIONE PAGE]

What is the difference between Parmigiano Reggiano and Parmesan?

Parmigiano Reggiano, also known as ‘King of Cheeses’, is a PDO artisanal cheese produced in Italy since over 1,000 years according to a specific method and feed for the cows. It is aged a minimum of 14 months and is controlled for quality and certified by a consortium.
It has a specific taste profile and texture, as well as health properties (rich in protein and calcium).
It is made from only three ingredients: Milk, Rennet and Salt. No preservatives are added, and the cows are exclusively grass fed.
Parmigiano Reggiano is LACTOSE FREE.

Parmesan cheese, as it is generically referred to, is the USA-domestic attempt at recreating Parmigiano Reggiano. It is non-regulated and its production methods vary from one manufacturer to the next. It is often unclear what the health standards of the facility is, and what feed is given to the cows that make the milk used for Parmesan. Aged for a much shorter period of time, it is often produced using industrial, rather than artisanal, techniques.